How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Take To Kick In, Magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms or “shrooms,” are famous for their hallucinogenic effects, primarily caused by the active compound psilocybin. One of the most common questions among new users and the curious is: how long do magic mushrooms take to kick in? The answer can vary depending on several factors, including the method of consumption, dosage, body chemistry, and whether the mushrooms were eaten on an empty stomach.
Typical Onset Time
In general, magic mushrooms begin to kick in within 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion. However, this is just an average range, and the onset time can be faster or slower depending on the individual and the circumstances.
Factors That Influence Onset Time
- Method of Consumption
- Chewing and swallowing raw or dried mushrooms: Takes about 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. The psilocybin must be digested and converted into psilocin, which causes the psychedelic effects.
- Lemon Tek (soaking in lemon juice): Effects may start in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. The citric acid can help break down psilocybin before ingestion, speeding up onset.
- Mushroom tea: Similar to Lemon Tek, mushroom tea is absorbed faster and may also kick in within 15 to 30 minutes.
- Capsules or edibles: These can take longer — sometimes up to 60 to 90 minutes — because the body needs to digest the food or gelatin first.
- Empty vs. Full Stomach
- Empty stomach: Leads to a quicker onset, often within 20–40 minutes.
- Full stomach: Can delay effects for up to 90 minutes or more, as digestion takes longer.
- Dosage
- Higher doses may cause faster and more intense onset.
- Lower doses, especially microdoses, may take longer to notice and feel milder effects.
- Individual Metabolism and Body Chemistry
- Each person metabolizes psilocybin at a different rate. Factors like body weight, age, liver function, and overall health can influence how long it takes for magic mushrooms to kick in.
What to Expect as They Kick In
As the effects begin, users may notice:
- A shift in perception (colors, sounds, textures become more vivid)
- Heightened emotions or mood changes
- Mild nausea or stomach discomfort
- A sense of euphoria, introspection, or spiritual connection
These sensations gradually build, reaching a peak about 1.5 to 3 hours after ingestion.
Conclusion
How long do magic mushrooms take to kick in? While the typical range is 20 to 60 minutes, the actual onset can be influenced by how they’re consumed, what you’ve eaten, and your individual body chemistry. Being patient and understanding these factors is key to having a safe and meaningful psychedelic experience. Always approach magic mushrooms with caution, respect, and preferably with guidance if you’re inexperienced.
